For less than third of the cost of the Motif, this S08 is really impressive so far! (not paying for sequencing I wouldn't be using anyway, and I went back and forth from the Motif to compare sounds,,,,,close as can be, with some of their top sounds loaded in anyway). Brought it home and just plugged this in and PLAYED! The controls and edits couldn't be easier. NO more will I go for a workstation. Too much work! This model is close to just sitting down at my upright and letting it fly!

There's a 3.3v card slot for added sounds, but I don't think I'll need any. Even through a simple mixer/amp and small speakers, this thing sounds "very" close to the real instruments. With the band playing, it is especially real to the point of I could insert this into the keybed area of a grand piano, and no one would know the difference. I tune pianos, so I know what I'm hearing. On it's own, (dead silence), yes, I can tell when the higher notes are sustained that this is electronic, but still sounds good. NO need to pay more than about $825. for over 740 instruments/sounds and acoustic piano action feel! (88 notes). Amazing value. Think I'm excited? Was about to spend close to three grand!

Thanks for any replies of your take on it, and any tips.
John Daubert

I loaned it out for the JPF annual picnic in Philly. Didn't hear any complaints.

What does the S80 have that the S08 doesn't?

The S80 can reproduce helicopter engines, police sirens and thunderstorms. All those sounds that will help your music and songwriting… right?

Sarcasm aside, the only difference between the two is the bells and whistles. The sound quality and feel are identical.

Did you perform at Bonnies? I played in the late afternoon right before Von Cello. (Who was awesome)

The showcase moved inside after dark, so I played three songs in the porch. There was this one guy who blew us all away. And of course there were great playing and songwriting from the others, Mick Choder,
The Johnsons, (Charlene and Greg), and Arlon Bennet, a Nashville quailty singer/songwriter.....very good!. Many more too, like Bonnie and her daughter singing Bonnie's good songs. Real cool!

Anywho, I remember you. Good also as I recall! Actually, everyone brought their "stuff"! Lots of talent for sure. More talent not being heard by the masses than what is. Lots more!

Love those keys! I got a Beatles Bluthner grand piano sound the other day and alomst fell off the stool! The Dark Piano setting, as you probably have also. Real cool. If you play "Let it be" for the fun of it as I do for many songs by them, play it on that setting. It's in the key of C.

John